Do you believe that homosexuality is a disease? (1 Viewer)

[Airman424]

I was discussing the topic at lunch with some co-workers and I was startled that I heard what I did. My older supervisor believes that homosexuality is a mental condition which is caused by genetics, and it can be cured. My younger friend also beleives that homosexuality is a mental disorder. I personally hold the belief that it is a matter of preferance, and nothing that is greatly disgusting. However my friends at work are adamantly convinced that homosexuality is a disease that needs to be adressed and treated. I think that it is a lifestyle choice. What about you all? Disease or Choice?

 

[jfuh]

I was discussing the topic at lunch with some co-workers and I was startled that I heard what I did. My older supervisor believes that homosexuality is a mental condition which is caused by genetics, and it can be cured. My younger friend also beleives that homosexuality is a mental disorder. I personally hold the belief that it is a matter of preferance, and nothing that is greatly disgusting. However my friends at work are adamantly convinced that homosexuality is a disease that needs to be adressed and treated. I think that it is a lifestyle choice. What about you all? Disease or Choice?

To the choice portion, it should be a no brainer, do you choose to be hetero? Can you ever choose to be gay? The answer is an obvious no.

Now as for the disease part, there are many assumptions of genetic factors however the science is still out on that. Horomones during pregnancy right now seem to be the dominating factor. But this is far from being any "disease". For it to be a disease it would need to be contageous or deadly. Or perhaps all the above. Can you become gay by hanging around with gay ppl? Nope. Do you die from being homosexual? Nope

Thus both assertions are wrong. Homosexuality is simply a way of being.

 

[FallingPianos]

I was discussing the topic at lunch with some co-workers and I was startled that I heard what I did. My older supervisor believes that homosexuality is a mental condition which is caused by genetics, and it can be cured. My younger friend also beleives that homosexuality is a mental disorder. I personally hold the belief that it is a matter of preferance, and nothing that is greatly disgusting. However my friends at work are adamantly convinced that homosexuality is a disease that needs to be adressed and treated. I think that it is a lifestyle choice. What about you all? Disease or Choice?

in most cases, neither. very few people choose to be gay, but it also couldnt be classified as a disease:

Disease - Wikipedia
A disease or medical condition is an abnormality of the body or mind that causes discomfort, dysfunction, or distress to the person afflicted or those in contact with the person. A condition that may result in the concerned person who suffers from it not behaving in a way that is natural for his species or his nature. Sometimes the term is used broadly to include injuries, disabilities, disorders, syndromes, infections, symptoms, deviant behaviors, and atypical variations of structure and function, while in other contexts these may be considered distinguishable categories.

the discomfort, dysfunction, or distress associated with homosexuality is almost always caused by attempts to treat it, and unacceptance of it. homosexuals who accept who they are and are accepted by others tend to be as happy as their straight peers.

 

[Airman424]

My supervisor at work is the one who called it a "disease". He said he felt it was a mental condition, perhaps caused by hormones during pregnancy. I personally think it is a choice not always decided upon by the person it directly affects. I guess I mean that I don't think you choose to be gay, it is more of a matter of attraction.

 

[Loki]

I'm going to go out on a limb here. I believe homosexuality is primarily a choice. I don't believe it would qualify as a disease by anyone's definition.

 

[jfuh]

My supervisor at work is the one who called it a "disease". He said he felt it was a mental condition, perhaps caused by hormones during pregnancy. I personally think it is a choice not always decided upon by the person it directly affects. I guess I mean that I don't think you choose to be gay, it is more of a matter of attraction.

Then you must ask, how does this attraction come about? Natural? or choice of attraction? Do you choose to be heterosexual?
You're supe is partially correct. Except it being a disease, in that how is homosexuality a disorder? It's not mainstream, but neither are many minority races on the planet. Doesn't make them a disorder, just a minority.

To me, I could care less about what two adults do in thier bedroom. Hell some ppl enjoy sodomizing fine, go at it all you want.

 

[Stinger]

To the choice portion, it should be a no brainer, do you choose to be hetero? Can you ever choose to be gay? The answer is an obvious no.

Go to a prison, there's lot of choosing going on.

Now as for the disease part, there are many assumptions of genetic factors however the science is still out on that.

So if it is genetic then it can be handed down through generations. Can you cite proof of that?

Horomones during pregnancy right now seem to be the dominating factor.

OK then can you cite a study showing that during autopsy the sexual orientation can be determined since you are saying it is physiological.

But this is far from being any "disease". For it to be a disease it would need to be contageous or deadly.

Since when?

Can you become gay by hanging around with gay ppl?

I've known several people who hung around gay people and then engaged in that lifestyle and ended up with gay partners.

Nope. Do you die from being homosexual? Nope

Actually homosexual activity is riskier for some sexually transmitted diseases especailly AIDS.

Thus both assertions are wrong. Homosexuality is simply a way of being.

If by that you mean it is a way of life, yes it is.

 

[jfuh]

Go to a prison, there's lot of choosing going on.

Are said persons gay? Can you ever choose to be gay?

So if it is genetic then it can be handed down through generations. Can you cite proof of that?

Genetic is your claim, I stated that the science is still out on it.

OK then can you cite a study showing that during autopsy the sexual orientation can be determined since you are saying it is physiological.

fMRI's have shown there to be a variance in the brain chemistry, so there is indeed a physical difference. But the question pops up again, can you ever choose to be gay stinger?

Since when?

Since the very definition of a disease.

I've known several people who hung around gay people and then engaged in that lifestyle and ended up with gay partners.

So can you become gay by hanging around gay ppl?
Here's a hint for you stinger. Ppl that hung around gay ppl often were gay already. Would you ever go to a gay bar just for the hell of it?

Actually homosexual activity is riskier for some sexually transmitted diseases especailly AIDS.

That is an urban myth. The transmissability is equal for all ppl regardless of sexual orientation.

If by that you mean it is a way of life, yes it is.

No, way of life invovles a choice. Again, can you ever choose to be gay? Did at some point in your life you decided hmm, I'm going to be a heterosexual. Or was it just the way you were?

 

[CaptainCourtesy]

I think this was discussed on another thread. There is a difference between being homosexual and having homosexual behaviors. Being homosexual is a sexual orientation like being heterosexual. Homosexual behaviors are often the result of of some sort of trauma or are often the manifestation of some other psychological disorder.

 

[Benchman]

First, I don't think it's a disease, but what if it's more like a "parasitic disorder"?
What if homosexuality is more like a parasite than an actual disease? The very nature of homosexuality keeps it's self form reproducing among it's own. It need's to "feed" on a host to keep it's self from extinction. Just a thought.

Second, As for choice. Wouldn't the only real way to determine that, be to isolate ALL of worlds homosexual and see if any new ones pop up out of the heterosexuals?

Third, The world still sees Homosexuality as an abnormality in general. If homosexuality is genetic and can eventually be detected at the embryonic stage, would abortions rise? We ARE given that option with other "birth defects". Would the gay community ( a big supporter of the lefts pro-choose wing ) become anti-chose? Would many hard core pro-life consecrative/Christians alter their view on abortion? Just wondering.

Looks like double jeopardy to me. If it's determend to be a choose, then someone will want to classify it as a mentel disorder and try to fix it. If it's determind to be genetic then you run the risk of extermination by abortion.
Danged if ya do, Danged if ya don't.

 

[Stinger]

Are said persons gay? Can you ever choose to be gay?

People in prison who live a homosexual lifestyle while in prison, they are while they are in prison.

Originally Posted by Stinger
So if it is genetic then it can be handed down through generations. Can you cite proof of that?

Genetic is your claim, I stated that the science is still out on it.

Wrong I responded to it. You know if you are going to make claims about me I wish you would take the time to get it right.

So if it is genetic is there any proof of homosexuality being passed down generations? Try not to dodge this time.

fMRI's have shown there to be a variance in the brain chemistry, so there is indeed a physical difference.

But no casusation and the variences certainly don't predict anything.

But the question pops up again, can you ever choose to be gay stinger?

Go to a prison.

ie: that to be a disease it must be contageous and deadly.

Originally Posted by Stinger
Since when?

Since the very definition of a disease.

Where on earth did you learn that. My mother has glaucoma, has been blind from that DISEASE. It is niether deadly nor contageous.

So can you become gay by hanging around gay ppl?

I reject the phrasing of your questions for reasons already stated.

Would you ever go to a gay bar just for the hell of it?

Yes. Have done so.

That is an urban myth. The transmissability is equal for all ppl regardless of sexual orientation.

No it is not.

No, way of life invovles a choice.

Sure they do, a life of crime, a life as a cleargyman, a life as a non-drinker, a life as a non-smoker, lots of things in life involve choices.

Again, can you ever choose to be gay?

Again go to a prison and look around.

Did at some point in your life you decided hmm, I'm going to be a heterosexual. Or was it just the way you were?

It never occoured to me to behave in any other manner. I knew people who did engage in homosexuality, and swinging, and all manner of other sexual lifestyles. I had offers, but I choose not to. :rofl pretty boring I guess! Then again I don't recall choosing not to be a thief, I could have choosen to be one, but I didn't. There are lots of behaviors I never engaged in but that doesn't mean there was a specific decission not to.

 

[jfuh]

People in prison who live a homosexual lifestyle while in prison, they are while they are in prison.

I see, so you're stating that if YOU go to prison, you will be gay? Seems you are confusing loving another man vs the sexual acts with another man. You do understand the difference between love and sex right? One being a purly physical act the other involving physicality as well as emotional states?

So if it is genetic then it can be handed down through generations. Can you cite proof of that?

Wrong I responded to it. You know if you are going to make claims about me I wish you would take the time to get it right. So if it is genetic is there any proof of homosexuality being passed down generations? Try not to dodge this time.

Again, you are the one stating the bolded line, not me, thus why would I be the person to cite any proof of your own claim? I stated, that science is still out on the factors.

But no casusation and the variences certainly don't predict anything.

Yet there is a difference. What part of "the science is still out on it" don't you understand. Point is there's a visible and measurable variance with the right equipment.

Go to a prison.

So you will be GAY in prison then? You can love another man? Not to mention the fact that anal sex alone does not mean your gay.

ie: that to be a disease it must be contageous and deadly.

Originally Posted by Stinger
Since when?




Where on earth did you learn that. My mother has glaucoma, has been blind from that DISEASE. It is niether deadly nor contageous.

Nevertheless it is deadly to her eye - cells. So congratulations, you're learning.

I reject the phrasing of your questions for reasons already stated.

AKA dogding.

Yes. Have done so.

On your own I assume? Well, perhaps there's something there inside you wanting to come out.

No it is not.

Fine, show your source here's mine.
Source

Sure they do, a life of crime, a life as a cleargyman, a life as a non-drinker, a life as a non-smoker, lots of things in life involve choices.

Not homosexuality. As I've asked and you've dodged, can you choose to love a man?

Again go to a prison and look around.

Sodomy does not equal sexual. The act of loving the same sex is homosexual. Do you really need a course in the difference between sex and love?

It never occoured to me to behave in any other manner. I knew people who did engage in homosexuality, and swinging, and all manner of other sexual lifestyles. I had offers, but I choose not to. :rofl pretty boring I guess! Then again I don't recall choosing not to be a thief, I could have choosen to be one, but I didn't. There are lots of behaviors I never engaged in but that doesn't mean there was a specific decission not to.

Bingo. It never occured to you to behave in any other manner, you didn't choose to be a heterosexual you just were. Same as for homosexuals. It's not a lifestyle choice, it's the way they are. Innately they are homosexual but social pressures force them not to admit to thier true sexuality. Go and ask someone that is a homosexual, ask them if they ever chose to be gay.

 

[Stinger]

I see, so you're stating that if YOU go to prison, you will be gay?

Where did I say that?

Again, you are the one stating the bolded line, not me, thus why would I be the person to cite any proof of your own claim? I stated, that science is still out on the factors.

I asked to you have any proof to back up the assertion that it is genetic. I take that as a no then, there is no evidence and no one has ever shown that it can be passed down through genes.

Yet there is a difference. What part of "the science is still out on it" don't you understand. Point is there's a visible and measurable variance with the right equipment.

Therefor argueing that it is genetic is specious.

So you will be GAY in prison then? You can love another man? Not to mention the fact that anal sex alone does not mean your gay.

I choose not to engage in behaviors that would land me in a prison. Yes I know men that I love.

Nevertheless it is deadly to her eye - cells. So congratulations, you're learning.

You are digging yourself a hole here, no it is not deadly to her eyes.

You may want to stop since we both agree it is not a disease.

Not homosexuality. As I've asked and you've dodged, can you choose to love a man?

I love several men that I know but I don't engage in sex with them, what is your point.

Bingo. It never occured to you to behave in any other manner, you didn't choose to be a heterosexual you just were.

It never occoured to me to engage in lots of behavior that I would have to choose to engage in, so wh

at?


Same as for homosexuals. It's not a lifestyle choice, it's the way they are.

Nope they still choose to engage in the behavior.

Innately they are homosexual but social pressures force them not to admit to thier true sexuality.

Still an unproven assertion, they may have trouble dealing with these desires they seem to have, but no one has shown it is an inate phyiscal or mental condition.

Go and ask someone that is a homosexual, ask them if they ever chose to be gay.

I have, I know several people who engage in a homosexual lifestyle and are now living heterosexual lifestyles.

 

[jfuh]

Where did I say that?

I asked you if you could ever choose to be gay, and you referenced me to the guys in prison. I can only deduce then that you are saying you can be gay if you go to prison.

I asked to you have any proof to back up the assertion that it is genetic. I take that as a no then, there is no evidence and no one has ever shown that it can be passed down through genes.

And I've stated, the science is still out on the causes of such. I've also stated that I've not made the assertion. THat was your assertion, why would I back up your claims?

Therefor argueing that it is genetic is specious.

Again, the science is still out on it. I've never stated it was or wasn't genetic. You are the one that argued genetics. I have shown only that there is indeed a physical difference. AS to the cause there's no solid science behind that as of yet.

I choose not to engage in behaviors that would land me in a prison. Yes I know men that I love.

Men that you love enough the way you love a woman? You are spining around again and playing semantics spinner.

You are digging yourself a hole here, no it is not deadly to her eyes.

So her eyes have not degenerated? The cones, rods lens or so on have not suffered any degeneration? Plz get real spinner.

You may want to stop since we both agree it is not a disease.

Lol And who started the rummice?

I love several men that I know but I don't engage in sex with them, what is your point.

Yes men that you love enough in the way that you love a woman? More spinning stinger, you're playing semantics.

It never occoured to me to engage in lots of behavior that I would have to choose to engage in, so what?

Oh for crying out loud stinger. You know damn well what is stated here. POint is you never chose to be a heterosexual, you just were. Same with homosexuality, you don't choose to be homosexual, you just are.

Nope they still choose to engage in the behavior.

A behavior that is a result of thier nature. You saying "nope" doesn't make it so. If you hadn't noticed the thread is not about behavior, it's about the very basis of homosexuality. Homosexuality is not a behavior neither is heterosexuality.

Still an unproven assertion, they may have trouble dealing with these desires they seem to have, but no one has shown it is an inate phyiscal or mental condition.

fMRI's look into it.
THere are many others variances:
http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/102/20/7356
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=35977
http://biology.queensu.ca/~bio210/p...l variances of heterosexuals and homosexuals"

But as I've stated over and over, the science is not yet mature on this yet as to the exact cause. Simply for now, there is a physiological variance.

I have, I know several people who engage in a homosexual lifestyle and are now living heterosexual lifestyles.

It's an interesting choice of words. You say lifestyle, but you do not state they are homosexual. In essence you're again playing a semantics game and it more then seems you do not know anyone who is homosexual, but those that engage in same sex sex. Like I said, quite different and it is understandable now to your ignorance and stubborness on the matter.

 

[jamesrage]

I was discussing the topic at lunch with some co-workers and I was startled that I heard what I did. My older supervisor believes that homosexuality is a mental condition which is caused by genetics, and it can be cured. My younger friend also beleives that homosexuality is a mental disorder. I personally hold the belief that it is a matter of preferance, and nothing that is greatly disgusting. However my friends at work are adamantly convinced that homosexuality is a disease that needs to be adressed and treated. I think that it is a lifestyle choice. What about you all? Disease or Choice?

The behavior itself is definitely a choice,the sexual attration is a mental disorder.From a evelution perspective such a behavior would be very destructive for a nonhermaphroditic species and such a behavior would have been breed to extintion.Look at dogs for example they are breed for certian behavior and physical traits,the dogs with the desired traits are the ones that are breed and the ones with the undesired traits are not allowed to breed.

 

[FallingPianos]

The behavior itself is definitely a choice, the sexual attration is a mental disorder.

why do you say its a mental disorder?

From a evelution perspective such a behavior would be very destructive for a nonhermaphroditic species and such a behavior would have been breed to extintion.Look at dogs for example they are breed for certian behavior and physical traits,the dogs with the desired traits are the ones that are breed and the ones with the undesired traits are not allowed to breed.

what is you're point?

 

[CoffeeSaint]

The behavior itself is definitely a choice,the sexual attration is a mental disorder.From a evelution perspective such a behavior would be very destructive for a nonhermaphroditic species and such a behavior would have been breed to extintion.Look at dogs for example they are breed for certian behavior and physical traits,the dogs with the desired traits are the ones that are breed and the ones with the undesired traits are not allowed to breed.

Just for the sake of argument -- this being a debate forum and all -- there is an argument for the evolutionary advantage of homosexual males: in a pack social system, which normally allows only one dominant male to stay with a harem of females, all other males are thrown out of the pack by the alpha upon reaching maturity, so they do not become rivals for his position. Homosexual males, however, are not a threat to the alpha's position as the breeding male, and so they can be allowed to remain with the pack, and offer greater strength for defense, hunting, etc. of the pack.

Just a theory, of course, but an interesting idea.

 

[CaptainCourtesy]

The behavior itself is definitely a choice,the sexual attration is a mental disorder.

Do you have any evidence that homosexuality is a mental disorder?

 

[Stinger]

It's an interesting choice of words. You say lifestyle, but you do not state they are homosexual. In essence you're again playing a semantics game and it more then seems you do not know anyone who is homosexual, but those that engage in same sex sex. Like I said, quite different and it is understandable now to your ignorance and stubborness on the matter.

OK I have known several homosexuals (people engaging in a homosexual lifestyle) who later lived as heterosexuals (a heterosexual lifestyle). Happy now?

 

[Stinger]

You said a "But this is far from being any "disease". For it to be a disease it would need to be contageous or deadly. "

For something to be a disease it doesn't have to be contageous or deadly.

2 : a condition of the living animal or plant body or of one of its parts that impairs normal functioning and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms : SICKNESS, MALADY
3 : a harmful development
http://www.webster.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?sourceid=Mozilla-search&va=disease


Geezz you are obstinate in your postings.

 

[talloulou]

I view it as a mindset. I'm not sure if it's genetic like eye color. But I certainly think it's a character trait like easygoing, funny, quick tempered, arrogant, free spirited, fearful, courageous, ect......

Definitely not a disease.

 

[jfuh]

OK I have known several homosexuals (people engaging in a homosexual lifestyle) who later lived as heterosexuals (a heterosexual lifestyle). Happy now?

Wow, right back to semantics.
Then either
A) they only engaged in homosexual behavior out of curiosity and are not in any way homosexual.
b) they are being forced to against thier nature to live heterosexually.

As usual, you adhere quite well to the title of spinner. It is again noted that you state to clarify they are engaging in homosexual behavior and not homosexual themselves. This still avoids answering the question, can you choose to be homosexual?

 

[jfuh]

You said a "But this is far from being any "disease". For it to be a disease it would need to be contageous or deadly. "

For something to be a disease it doesn't have to be contageous or deadly.

2 : a condition of the living animal or plant body or of one of its parts that impairs normal functioning and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms : SICKNESS, MALADY
3 : a harmful development
http://www.webster.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?sourceid=Mozilla-search&va=disease


Geezz you are obstinate in your postings.

Good job Spinner, you can look up a dictionary. interesting how you spin again when you can't answer if there's any degeneration of the eye in your own example.

 

[Stinger]

Good job Spinner, you can look up a dictionary. interesting how you spin again when you can't answer if there's any degeneration of the eye in your own example.

You said deadly or contagious. You were wrong.

 

[Stinger]

Wow, right back to semantics.

That's where you arguements normal go, and it is usually pointless.

spinner

Oh and the fact you think the better name caller wins the arguement. Grow up.